If you have Covid-19, you can stay in the comfort of your own home and still be cared for.

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In our local health district, more than 100 patients have been cared for under an enhanced community-based virtual care service which provides monitoring and clinical care for COVID-19-positive residents in Northern NSW who do not require admission to hospital.  

The Northern NSW Virtual COVID Care Service allows medical staff and registered nurses to care for COVID-positive adults and children at home when it is clinically suitable and safe. 

NNSWLHD acting chief executive Lynne Weir said the Virtual COVID Care service means that patients can stay in the comfort of their own homes, while having regular contact with our nursing and medical teams to ensure their illness is being managed well.  

“This enhanced service is specially tailored for COVID-19 patients, and builds on the Hospital in the Home program which had been previously providing home-based clinical monitoring for patients with COVID-19,” Ms Weir said. 

“It provides escalation processes to recognise early deterioration, and clear communications between our clinicians, public health teams and local emergency services personnel should someone require a transfer to hospital at any point.

"We also have 24 hour telephone support to give patients the peace of mind of having a direct line to our care team when they need it.”  

Once a person is diagnosed with COVID-19, the virtual care team completes an assessment and puts a care plan in place.

The initial assessment includes consideration of a patient’s health status, wellbeing and environmental needs, together with any social and family supports they may require. 

Respiratory Physician Dr Joe Duncan said patients can remain under the care of the service as long as necessary, or be admitted to hospital at any point if they require hospital care.  

“The toll COVID-19 takes on each person will be different, depending on their pre existing medical conditions and personal circumstances, and our care is flexible to accommodate that,” Dr Duncan said.  

“We work closely as a team to assess patients and ensure their medical and other wellbeing needs are being met, so they can have the best opportunity to recover quickly.

“Our Virtual COVID Care staff provide education to patients on how to manage their symptoms and what to do if their health deteriorates.  

“We also provide links to mental health or other supports if required.” 

There are currently around 50 cases being cared for by the NNSWLHD COVID Care team, which include patients who are within their infectious period, or who still require monitoring and treatment for ongoing symptoms. Other patients who have been cared for by the service since it began in early September have since been discharged.  

Patients receive a support pack that includes a pulse oximeter and thermometer, in addition to a range of patient education resources.  

Many patients will experience no symptoms or suffer any effects from the virus, and some patients also choose not to be admitted to hospital. 

Upon discharge from the Northern NSW Virtual COVID Care Service, patients are referred to their General Practitioner for any ongoing care. 

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